When it comes to exquisite timepieces, the Louis Vuitton Escale is the ultimate symbol of artistry and precision! This incredible watch is a stunning tribute to the Maison’s legendary trunks, drawing inspiration from their rich heritage to create a masterpiece that exudes elegance and sophistication.
The Louis Vuitton Escale is an absolute masterpiece, and the dial is nothing short of incredible! The dial is a true work of art, crafted by four master artisans, each specializing in a different traditional craft. It showcases the meticulous techniques of grand feu enamel and guilloché in a way that will take your breath away! These time-honored methods come together to create a visual spectacle that is both mesmerizing and unique – it’s truly a sight to behold!
The magic begins with a solid gold base, which is then skillfully milled to form a delicate raised edge. This subtle lip serves as a perfect boundary for the vibrant enamel that adorns the center. The heart of the dial is then meticulously engraved using a hand-operated rose engine, creating an absolutely stunning intricate radial guilloché pattern. This incredible process, unchanged since the 18th century, requires absolute precision to ensure the pattern seamlessly reaches the edge of the dial.
The application of grand feu enamel brings the dial to life with a rich translucency and brilliant hues that will take your breath away! The perfect consistency is achieved by expert enamellers who mix finely ground enamel pigments with water and oil. The enamel is then carefully and skilfully applied to the guilloché surface, a process known as champlevé, and fired at temperatures exceeding 800℃. And the best part is that this step is repeated multiple times to attain the desired depth and lustre!
And there’s another fascinating detail that often gets overlooked: the counter enamel on the reverse side of the dial. This layer is absolutely essential for preventing deformation during the high-temperature firing process, which ensures the dial maintains its flawless form. The pale shade of the counter enamel subtly reveals an engraved message intended for future watchmakers who may service the timepiece – a wonderful touch that adds a special touch of magic to the watch.
One of the most innovative and exciting features of the Louis Vuitton Escale is the way the hour indices are attached. Fortunately, there is a way around this! Drilling through enamel is avoided traditionally due to its fragility, but there is a way to get around this. But here’s where it gets really cool. The amazing folks at Louis Vuitton use precision lasers to make tiny holes, which allows them to securely rivet the solid 18k white gold indices to the dial. This amazing technique not only showcases a new technological advancement but also preserves the integrity of the enamel!
Encased in platinum, this watch is the epitome of timeless elegance! The amazing “rivet” lugs are inspired by the protective hardware on the Maison’s iconic trunks, giving the timepiece a distinctive touch that connects it to its storied past. This incredible timepiece is limited to just 50 pieces, making it a true celebration of exclusivity and masterful design.
The sapphire case back is transparent, offering a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of this magnificent timepiece. At its heart beats the LFT023 movement, a chronometer-certified caliber developed in collaboration with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton and Le Cercle des Horlogers. This high-precision movement meets the highest accuracy standards, ensuring the watch performs as beautifully as it looks.
